Blush -Lancome - Blush Subtil Shimmer - Shimmer Mocha Havana
ncdc83 6/1/2011 1:21:00 AM
I received two samples from my mother a year ago, still on my second sample (will last for another 3-4 months). I just recently pruchased my first full size compact (due to an awesome free gift promotion). It may seem expensive to some (about $27 USD), however, it will last a long time. The two samples equal about the same size as the full size, therefore, in my opinion, it'll last a while and the cost spread out over time will really not be much at all. My only gripe would be the packaging, for the price and prestige of Lancome, it should be a bit more attractive and economical. It's in an old school black plastic compact with the brush palette on one side and a small (useless, superfluous) brush on the other (who the heck uses those anymore, us make-up maniacs have our very own special blush blush, duh!). The product itself is great. I have acne-prone, oily skin and this goes on smoothly and lasts all day. It is buildable and near mistake proof and the shimmer is not visible and is most definitly work friendly. I think this is a shade better for darker skin tones. I am not very dark but have yellowish undertones and most always opt for medium shades. My mother, in contrast, is very pale and usually chooses the lightest shades. As this was too dark for her (perhaps just for her own personal tastes), I ended up with the samples... HG! This is my HG blush
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -Josie Maran Cosmetics - Blush in Sunset
ncdc83 2/1/2011 12:51:00 PM
Just got this yesterday, already thinking of picking it up in another color or as a backup to carry around. Packaging is great, a tiny compact with a mirror and eco friendly all around. Some may gripe about the price, but the $22 was OK for me. I'm sure it'll last a few months and when the $22 are spread out through those months, the costs are ultimately minimal. This is my very first cream blush - no other basis for comparison but... It's very creamy, light and buildable. I use liquid foundation and needed a creamier blush from my normal powder blush. Very dewy look, a healthy glow, has lasted all day so far and doesn't make my already oily skin shinier. The cream blush does look more natural than the powder (on me). You can use a brush or your fingers, used my fingers with ease (will prop end up trying a brush at some point :) Also, very easy to use, was a little worried about the clown face but it was incredibly simple. Goggle/you tube some tutorials, overall, fool proof. I have very oily, acne prone skin, think my other blush was making me break out (although very pretty). Will be sure to report back on the acne-friendliness/longetivity of the product :)
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Makeup Brushes -Sephora - Professionnel Platinum Blush Brush #49
ncdc83 1/23/2011 1:00:00 AM
The price works itself out in the lung run, I've had this and brush #47 (foundation) for almost a year. Still hasn't shedded yet and is still soft. I typically prefer natural brushes but this brush is very well made and applies color evenly. Love the entire line and am not opposed to repurchasing or purchasing other brushes from the collection.
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Concealers -Maybelline - Super Stay 24 Hour Concealer
ncdc83 1/23/2011 12:42:00 AM
HG concealer, the only concealer that has consistently covered up acne/scars well AND stay pit throughout the day on my oily skin. The price is right and it's oil free. Alhough some have said it's hard to spread out, not so for me. I use sephora's #47 foundation brush to blend. Excellent value and coverage, especially compared to the more expensive brands. Update: back to UD 24/7 concealer, I didn't realize (until a very kind person, in a very nice way, let me know) that the color didnt match me at all :-/ I really noticed flipping through some pictures. Aye, too bad! If it matches your skin tone, great, if not, good luck.
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Makeup Brushes -Sephora - Professional Platinum Foundation Brush #47
ncdc83 1/22/2011 6:47:00 PM
Been using this for almost a year, hasnt started shedding yet, although I always make an effort to wash brushes as gently as possible. Perfect for concealer/foundation allocation. The cost works itself out in the long run, lasts a long time :) love the silver handle, also have the blush brush which is equally as fantastic.
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Lip Treatments -eos - Lip Balm Sphere - Summer Fruit
ncdc83 1/22/2011 6:39:00 PM
I have repurchased this several times. It is organic and all natural, the scent is also pleasant to me. The cons are the packaging, very cute but not very practical to stick in your pocket and go. The price is a bit off considering how quickly the product dissapates with everyday use, however, it does provide the needed moisture.
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Fragrances -Versace - BRIGHT CRYSTAL
ncdc83 1/22/2011 6:22:00 PM
When my fave perfume was discontinued, I searched for a new signature scent and came across this one. I'm now on my second bottle and love the scent. The only down side is the gaudy packaging, the faux diamond cap is a bit cheesy. Other than that, it's great. The scent is light, girly and fresh. I mist it into my hair and the smell lasts all day. Will repurchase.
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Cleansers -Desert Essence - Thoroughly Clean Face Wash with Organic Tea Tree Oil and Awapuhi
ncdc83 1/16/2011 6:53:00 PM
Have purchased this several times, usually switch around on face washes but will sometimes go back to this one. Dirt cheap, a little goes a long way and natural. Downside is that it is drying on your skin, and my skin is oily, be sure to moisturize afterwards. Helps my breakouts and I get that squeaky clean feeling. I don't think it smells the greatest but it is tolerable.
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Misc Beauty Tools -Clarisonic - Pro Skincare Brush
ncdc83 1/16/2011 6:48:00 PM
Took the plunge, it's only been about a week, however, have high hopes. So far, skin feels super clean and uber soft :) Hoping it will clean better than manual washing and help with acne/oil buildup. Will be sure to update on progress. Start off slow, I went a little overboard on th first day and sesitive areas were a bit raw. Gradually build up to twice a day/longer intervals. The size of the unit is not too large or small, medium sized. Overall, happy with it!
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Mascara -Maybelline - XXL volume+length microfiber mascara
ncdc83 10/15/2009 2:33:00 PM
HG mascara, cursed with sparse Asian lashes and eyebrows and this defines and enhances my lashes without looking clumpy and spider-ish. I have tried MANY mascaras and have even considered lash extensions (way too high maintenance for me), I've accepted that I have barely any lashes! I apply the base coat on only one eye first, until my lashes are coated white, then QUICKLY, use the top coat until the white of the base coat is gone, THEN, using an old mascara wand (washed and dry) I use to seperate any clumps, if any...so far the best for me :)
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Concealers -Revlon - ColorStay Blemish Concealer with Soft Flex 
ncdc83 10/15/2009 2:27:00 PM
I have this shade in medium and so far it covers very well. I have post acne marks and while I can't say this covers them completely, it does a good job. To be fair, it's pain in the tukuss to cover acne/hyperpigmentation marks - period. That being said, this is pretty decent for drugstore concealer. Although, a tube would be a more ideal, hygenic packaging, especially since I use a brush. The consistency is very easy to use with a concealer brush, and yes, apply quickly because it does settle swiftly. Any product with salycylic acid is not for dark circles under the eyes, and I can't yet attest to the blemsih treatment aspect until I use it for a couple more weeks. So I'll update in a bit, just be sure to get the right shade I tried medium/deep and ugh... Update: no longer use this product, felt that it further contribuing to my breakouts clogged pores :-/
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Sunscreen -Clarins - (New Formula) UV Plus Day Screen SPF 40 High Protection with E3P
ncdc83 10/15/2009 2:17:00 PM
I used the old formula for years, I have acne issues and it helped a lot! However, the new formula, despite the sales lady's claim of it being oil free, like some other reviewers, I couldn't find it anywhere on the package. I noticed an increase in breakouts and oil production with the new formula. By noon (after applying at 7AM or so) my face was an oily grease pie. My concealer starts creasing from the oil production :( Everyone's skin is different, but as my skin is already oily, this product isn't for me anymore!
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Concealers -Urban Decay - 24/7 Concealer in NSA
ncdc83 10/15/2009 12:54:00 PM
This has been by HG concealer for the past year, and it's great, yes it is a little pricey for a concealer stick, HOWEVER, well worth the price for me. Very creamy and rich and it cover very well. The one downside the variety of shades bite. I'm on the darkest shade, not very tan, Asian with yellow undertones, and sadly during the summer I could not use it (so devasted!) due to my tan (so four lippies for that)! URBAN DECAY if you're listening, give us gals some more options :o) Update: No longer using this, needed something tackier/zit friendlier to cover up acne/scars, maybeline superstay concealer is now a part of my arsenal! Update: Realized (after many trial and errors) this is my HG and I should have never strayed. I was experiencing a terrible breakout and, honestly, no amount of make-up would have helped. This is the only concealer that matches my own skin color - for that natural look. Whats the point of wearing concealer if people know you're wearing it? I also wasn't I applying it correctly. For bad blemishes, I use apply this first to those spots, then apply a translucent medium beige poweder and then re-apply to those spots and then apply to other minor areas (around the nose, under cirecles, eyelid, slight redness, etc). Then I seal it with another (very) light dust of powder. Viola! It also lasts longer when you use a brush to apply (not directly to the face and then blending), a little of this goes a looooong way. I'm still disappointed with the color selection. I use the darkest shade (NSA) and I am not very dark. I usually can't use this in the summer, not that I'm a serial tanner, however, the color doesn't match my skintone ... Regardless... HG (again)
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Moisturizers -Caudalie - Vinoperfect Night Correcting Cream
ncdc83 10/15/2009 12:34:00 PM
Just got this with the Day Perfecting Cream SPF15, barely been a week, so I'm not sure how well it's working. It's pricey for sure, but if it does what it claims and lgihtens up some post acne marks and dark spots, I'm game. I use it right after I apply toner, a pea sized amount, and it has a nice consistency and spreads out nicely. I like the smell and gives you a nice refreshing tingle upon initial application. So far so good, will update in a few weeks, let's see how it goes... Update: didn't do much to lighten up scars or any noticable improvements to complexion, may be better for anti-aging and moisture.
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Moisturizers -Caudalie - Vinoperfect Day Perfecting Cream SPF 15
ncdc83 10/15/2009 12:28:00 PM
Just got thsi and have been using it now for almost one week, will update with a more thorough review in a few weeks. That being said, so far... The price is expensive as all hell, $68 for just ONE OUNCE! If you 'd like to try this, get samples from Sephora or buy it at Sephora (superb return/exchange policy, even if the product has been used!). The consistency of the actual cream is thick and very easy to spread around your face and it isn't greasy for a sunscreen product. I use a pea size dab and apply it right after I apply toner while my face is still moist. It absorbs pretty quickly, and does give off a bit of a "glowing" sheen. The packaging is nice and I like the tube, since I'm a bit of a germa-phobe, only downside, the tube isn't clear, I have no idea how much I've used/have left. For $68, I will make sure to cut the top off when I'm running out and get every last penny's worth! Update: just ok, no improvements to acne scars/complexion, may be great for anti-aging/moisturizer. Makeup goes on smoothly, too. So far so good :o)
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